I know of guys that are incorporating this idea on the earlier models as well. I have been told that it simplifies the fabric covering in that area. One thing on the IV, there is usually antenna mounting plates on the top surface of the fusalage, and extending the dorsal fin to the turtle deck will eliminate the use of these mounting plates. If going all the way forward, I would suggest cutting them out for weight savings. I terminated mine just aft of the forward plate as I still wanted the com antenna to be mounted there. For weight savings I also eliminated the wood rib most guys are using as I sort of thought that it was a bit of overkill as the linear length of the shrinkable fabric on each side of the tube is less than a foot and shrink pressure on the aluminum stringer would be minimal. I glued a couple of aluminum stand-offs under the rib similar to the stand offs on the side stringer - no wood there and longer runs between standoffs.
Keep in mind that for the IV, it is not a kit option, but a builder design option and I am trying to work toward simple and light.
This is what I just did to my 5 project. Bonded with epoxy and flox. The tube is bonded at the forward edge of the antenna mount plate and at that a small rib about midway. Sorry about the rotation. It is OK in m file. Do not know how to fix this.
Re: Razor Back Option
Reply With Quote